How does it feel to know that you are guaranteed a place in both the national team and Kaizer Chiefs?


Mathamba Nkanyi

Siphiwe Tshabalala: There is no guarantee for me at both the national team and Kaizer Chiefs. I know the importance of working hard to keep my place in both teams due to the quality of players we have, particularly players vying for the position I play in the squad. At Kaizer Chiefs we also have the talented George Lebesem who has shown recently that he can do the business on the left side. Do not exclude Abia Nale, who is quality and can play both sides of the field.

Who is the player that it makes you happy when the coach substitutes you with?


Godfrey Zwane

ST: I always welcome every player that comes in for me because I know that all the players want to make difference in the team. I cannot use any particular player.

How often do you practice to use both your feet?


Welile Mbudwini

ST: I know my right foot is weaker but I use it sometimes when I am passing. It is not something that I really work on, but I do practise all the time to perfect my left (laughing).

Where do you stay, are you married, do you have a baby, what are your hobbies off the pitch, what car do you drive and who are your favourite players at Chiefs and outside of Chiefs?


Asiphe Samantha

ST: I stay in Rooderport, although I grew up in Soweto. I am not married yet and do not have a baby. I like to stay at home watch Animal Channel and fall asleep on my couch. I drive a BMW Z4. My favourite players at Chiefs are Michael Nkambule and Abia Nale. I also like Teko Modise and Lionell Messi outside Kaizer Chiefs.

People are asking questions as to whether you are giving your all for Kaizer Chiefs or are saving yourself for the World Cup. We never see you tackle; we are not talking about 50/50 situations, just to tackle?


Mzukisi Fani

ST: Tackling is not my strength but I am required to do defensive work in the team as much as I am expected to move forward. I do track back at times when I am required to do so. I want to assure you that I give 100 per cent every time I get to don the Black and Gold jersey. Even the national team selectors need to see me perform at my best at club level.

It has been a pleasure to see you wearing the Black and Gold but I honestly think it is time for you to move abroad…


Edward Mini

ST: I will not go overseas just for the sake of going, but I am going to wait for the right offer at the right time. I am happy here and I love this Club.

If you would get an offer from a club here in SA, would you take it? Please tell me about your celebration every time you score…


Ellina Ngoma

ST: No, I do not see that happening. It has always been my dream growing up to play for Chiefs and I do not see myself playing for any local club except Chiefs. If I were to leave Chiefs it would be for Europe.

I always discuss the celebrations together with Reneilwe (Letsholonyane), Abia (Nale) and Chippa at training. We always tease Chippa and tell him to pretend as if he is watching, as he can’t dance. We like doing the Beyonce dance on that song, Single Ladies.

Where do you see yourself in two years and who do you think is going to win the World Cup?


Tshepo Hlabygo

ST: Probably overseas. Mhmmm, that second one is a tough one but I would like to see Bafana Bafana reaching the finals.

Why are you gentleman missing so many goals?


Simphiwe Mtirara

ST: It is never our intention to miss but it happens in a game. This is something that we are working on at training. We have proved at some stage this season that we can take our chances as much as we create them. It will not be long before we start hitting the back of the net regularly.

What happened in the game against Jomo Cosmos? Were you thinking you have done it or what?


P. Nyakala

ST: I think we lost concentration more than anything else and we paid a huge price for that. Most importantly we lost two valuable points. We were supposed to focus until the final whistle. We were really punished.

How can I get hold of a number 14 jersey?


Trevor Zwane

ST: You can contact the office and they can arrange for you to get the jersey printed at a price. As players we really appreciate when we see fans wearing our jersey numbers.

Through hard work and self-belief, you will succeed, and I wish you all the best in the forthcoming World Cup if you do get selected. Please put one or two in the net for the legions of Amakhosi Family, as you will be one of the ambassadors representing the institution.


Lucas Ndema

ST: Thank you very much Lucas. I will do my best to make sure I represent you and the Club very well if I do get a place. I really appreciate your support!

Is it true that you wish to play for Arsenal?


Bongumusa Dladla

ST: Yes, Arsenal is one of my favourite teams in Europe. I was excited in midweek when they beat Liverpool (1-0) following the defeat against Chelsea over the weekend.

How do you keep your cool and good behavior, because I have never heard of you being linked with alcohol, or even dating multiple partners? Are you considering furthering your studies like Jimmy Tau, who has set a good example for all PSL players?


Avhapfani Rasemphe

ST: I know that as a professional I am expected to behave well all the time as there are people looking up to me. How I carry myself as someone in the spot light can inspire a lot of people to do the same.

I registered for business management and sports management in 2008 and 2009, but my schedule for Kaizer Chiefs and the national team made it difficult for me. I would like to further my studies at some stage in my life.

I have noticed that your game is no longer all about speed and going down the line, whipping crosses, as you used to do at Free State Stars and at Bafana Bafana under Stuart Baxter. Would you attribute that to the influence of Carlos Alberto Parriera?


Sabelo Siboniso

ST: In the modern game wingers are required to attack more from the middle as compared to the past, as wing-backs are doing most of the crosses. I enjoy coming down the middle and keeping possession these days.

I have watched your performance this season at both Kaizer Chiefs and the national Team and I think it has deteriorated…


Vutumi Ndlovu

ST: I do not agree with you, I think I am having one of the better seasons actually. I was unable to do the pre-season because of injury and only played one game in the MTN8 against Ajax Cape Town at Orlando, where I scored a goal. I have scored more goals this season as compared to last season, despite being introduced gradually by the coach earlier in the season. I also think I have done well in the national team, but there is always room for improvement.

Siphiwe Tshabalala, together with Kaizerchiefs.com, thanks all those who took their time to send questions and words of encouragement. Next on the line is Mandla “Bullet” Masango. The closing date for questions is Wednesday, February 17 at 1pm. The interview will be published on kaizerchiefs.com on Friday, February 19.